Getting started is the hardest part!
Running is hard, especially if you're just starting, so once you start keep at it and try and make it enjoyable. This is why running with a group will take some of that pressure off you. Just ask the Tuesday and Thursday RTR_H8H crew about it. Remember why you are doing it? It's for your health and well-being. I recommend that you don't look at your time on runs when you start, just enjoy the surrounding and enjoy the chatter. Have a look around, see what other people are doing and if you enjoy what you're doing you'll keep doing it and keep coming back to the group runs. Physical exercise is key to keeping our mental health in check. Loosing and changing shape will follow in time. Progress maybe slow but every run will make a difference in the long term.Don't try and outrun everyone else at the start of your programme.
You might be tempted to go full speed from the start. But that's something you really shouldn't do "start slow" and don’t compare yourself to anybody else. You'll have to stop, do a bit of walking and get overtaken by people, but that's absolutely fine. A lot of new runners go out full pelt, and then feel rubbish about themselves, because they have to stop. But it's all about slowing the pace down so you can carry on longer, but that takes time. Build slowly and focus on creating a plan and committing so you don't talk yourself out of it. Start slow to grow big and build your stamina. Ideally the couch to 5km programme can help you get started. To start with three runs a week would probably be ideal, hence why following the couch to 5km programme will give you your first structured training Programme.
Remember those stretches and prevent early injuries
Shin splints are a common injury for new and long distance runners. So it's important to have your running gear sorted as that is one way to prevent injuries. The best thing you can do is invest in a proper running shoes, socks and tryout the compression socks or sleeves. Remember to stretch and warm up properly before you start and finish a run. As a warm up, we use the walk for 5 minutes moving your arms and starting to breath as part of the warm up, I then start running with a very slow pace to start doing an 8 minute km to get in the zone and get my breathing in time with my pace. At the end of a session I gently stretch core muscles to stretch off. Never bounce but stretch nice and easy so you don’t ping or tear any muscles. When you get back in the warmth, have a good hot shower, drink plenty of water and then do some more stretches throughout the day. It's super important to lengthen those muscles.
When do we run? We run every Tuesday and Thursday meeting at 5pm at the CCG Headquarters, Sanger House, Brockworth Business Park, Gloucester, GL4-3FE.
Parking available and meet at reception. All detail can be found for each run by using the MyCrew App.
For more information click here to contact your run leader
